Learning the 4 Rs

Jack Henry has been learning the 4 important Rs. Of course, everyone knows what these are ... Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic and Rhythmic gymanistics.

Today, we will examine one of these Rs with a photo or two. Since the selection of which 'R' wasn't put up for vote, we're going to cover reading.

As Jack Henry has already exhibited, he can be a semi-prolific blogger, which covers the R of wRiting.


Yet, in case you were wondering where he receives his inspiration for his writing, you have to realize the Elaine reads to him quite often.


While the topics of which Jack Henry has been versed cover the current events of the day to various economic issues, some of Jack Henry's favorite reading materials come right from the NICU library, compliments of the Child Life coordinators. He has done a marvelous job of coaxing his Momma into reading from many, various tomes. In particular, he is a devout reader of educational books.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

On a mildly serious and responsible note... yes, you are still reading the same blog about Jack Henry. :) As Jack Henry is unable to hear the weekly readings at Mass, we have read these to him each Sunday since he was born as we packed a Sunday Missal with us to the hospital.


As you can see, we did happen to use the Sunday Missal as a backdrop in the picture of the crocheted booties. Yes, I'm sure that this will be covered during the next confession with Fr. John. At least, there is proof that we brought this to the hospital for Jack Henry's use and ours. ;)

Nonetheless, it just so happens that the Gospel reading from this past Sunday (4th of Lent) seemed to capture an aspect of being in the hospital. In the Gospel of According to John, the story of Jesus healing the blind man is retold. The story starts off innocently as Jesus's disciples ask Jesus why the man that they had just passed was blind - was this the result of the man's or his parents' sin? This was a common thought in Jesus's time as well in the centuries following his earthly ministry ... and perhaps even until today. Yet, Jesus points out that the man's blindness is not related to sin, but in fact an opportunity for God's providence to shine through the man's pain and suffering. Jesus heals this man lack of sight through the man's faith as this also hastens Jesus's own fate to the cross as a result of this public display of ministry and healing.

While we have struggled with the aspect and challenges of Elaine and I desiring to have a child of our own, we became quite reminded how so many gifts have been given to us during our several months of hospital time in having Jack Henry. The struggle of his life coming to be has given us the wealth of new respect for the dedication and care of medical professionals as well as many new friends that we have such deep respect for in how they helped us in our journey. This is truly a current blessing that we would not so richly treasure if it weren't for the heavy burden that we needed help carrying.